British Tourists Brave Cerberus Heatwave to Pack Benidorm Beaches: Here’s What I Witnessed
I’ve just returned from a scorching trip to Benidorm, and let me tell you—it was an experience that blurred the line between vacation and survival. The Cerberus heatwave, named after the mythical three-headed dog guarding the gates of hell, has turned this Spanish hotspot into a sizzling oven. Yet, despite the record-breaking temperatures, I was amazed to see British tourists pouring in, sun hats on and beach towels in hand, ready to embrace the heat like it was just another summer day in the Med.
When I first stepped onto Levante Beach, the air felt thick, almost like walking through steam. It was 43°C, and I could feel my skin cooking under the blazing sun. But around me, the beach was buzzing. Families set up umbrellas like colorful mushrooms in the sand, and friends lounged by the water with frozen cocktails in hand. Some even dared to say, “It’s just a bit warm, innit?”—a classic British understatement if there ever was one.
What struck me most was the collective vibe. I had expected empty sunbeds and shuttered bars. Instead, the pubs were open, the pool parties were in full swing, and the beachside cafés were doing brisk business. I chatted with a couple from Manchester who had been coming to Benidorm every year since 2015. “A bit of heat won’t stop us,” they laughed, fanning themselves with a souvenir sombrero. And I believed them.
Of course, it wasn’t all beach bliss. I saw tourists slathering on sunscreen like it was the last bottle on Earth, guzzling electrolyte drinks, and ducking into shops just to soak up the air conditioning. Local officials had issued heat alerts, and I received constant push notifications reminding me to hydrate, wear light clothing, and avoid the midday sun. Still, many powered through, determined to squeeze every drop of fun out of their trip—even if it meant sweating through their shorts.
There was also a sense of resilience—of adapting to the “new normal” of extreme weather. From cooling mists at beach bars to pop-up hydration stations, Benidorm had clearly learned how to pivot. I overheard a bartender call it “climate-proof tourism,” and I think he’s onto something.
By the end of my stay, I had a new appreciation for the sun-seeking spirit of British travelers. Maybe we’re a bit mad, or maybe we’re just committed to making memories, come hell or high water—or in this case, heatwave Cerberus. Either way, I left with sunburnt shoulders, a thousand stories, and a surprising sense of admiration for everyone who dared to hit the beach under such conditions.
So if you’re thinking of heading to Benidorm this summer, brace yourself. Pack your SPF 50, your reusable water bottle, and your heatwave survival mindset. And who knows—you might find yourself loving the chaos, just like I did.
